Devils Beat Capitals 4-3 in Overtime - No Flyers
The New Jersey Devils defeated the Capitals in Washinton,
4-3, in overtime on Saturday, April 13, 2002. The win was the sixth
straight for the Devils and along with the Senators loss, means that they
will not face the Flyers in the first round of the playoffs.Brian Gionta gave the Devils an early 1-0 lead by beating
Sebastien Charpentier at 4:20 of the first period. Gionta's 4th goal
of the season was assisted by Christian Berglund.
Charpentier, in just his second NHL start, gave up another
goal at 7:01 of the first period, when John Madden beat him, by shooting
the puck through his legs. Madden's 15th goal of the season was
assisted by Christian Berglund and Brian Gionta.Patrik Elias left the game early, with an apparent hand injury,
after logging only 1:17 of ice-time in the period.
Ulf Dahlen beat John Vanbiesbrouck at 10:00 of the first
period, cutting the Devils lead to 2-1.
The first period ended with the Devils leading the Capitals
2-1. The Devils outshot the Caps 11-8 in the first period and won
10 of 18 faceoffs.Patrik Elias returned to the bench and a regular shift once
the second period resumed.
Sergei Gonchar tied the game at 5:47 of the second period
by beating Vanbiesbrouck with a long shot.
Steve Konowalchuk gave the Capitals their first lead of the
game at 8:30 of the second period.
Petr Sykora left the game in the second period with a foot
injury.
The second period ended with the Capitals leading the Devils,
3-2. The Devils outshot he Capitals 9-7 and won 12 of 24 faceoffs
in the period.
Andreas Salomonsson tied the game, 3-3 just 29 seconds into
the third period. Salomonsson's 4th goal of the season was assisted
by Bobby Holik and Brian Gionta.
Regulation time ended with the game tied, 3-3.Scott Niedermayer won the game 1:53 into the overtime period.
Salomonsson carried the puck around the net, and put a nice pass on
the stick of Niedermayer to win the game. Brian Gionta also got an
assist on Nidermayer's 11th goal of the season.
The Devils outshot the Capitals 38-24 in the game.
This game was the first of the season that the Devils were
not called for a penalty.Martin Brodeur and several other regulars were rested.
Sergei Brylin, Jay Pandolfo, and Brian Rafalski were healthy scratches for
the Devils. Scott Gomez (hand) and Stephane Richer (foot) were also
scratches.Scott Stevens and John Madden were the only two players to
participate in all 82 Devils regular season games. Jamie Langenbrunner
played in a combined 82 for Dallas (68) and New Jersey (14).